Free True Believer by Nicholas Sparks Page B

librarian?”
“When I’m not hanging out in cemeteries and ignoring staring men, I try to be.”
“Well, I’ll be,” he said, trying to drawl the words like Doris had.
She smiled and moved past him to straighten a few books on the shelf that he’d examined.
“Your accent doesn’t cut it, Mr. Marsh,” she said. “You sound like you’re trying out letters for a crossword puzzle.”
He laughed easily, unfazed by her comment. “You think so?” he asked.
Definitely a ladies’ man, she thought.
“I know so.” She continued straightening the books. “Now, what can I help you with, Mr. Marsh? I suppose you’re looking for information on the cemetery?”
“My reputation precedes me.”
“Doris called to tell me you were on the way.”
“Ah,” he said. “I should have known. She’s an interesting woman.”
“She’s my grandmother.”
Jeremy’s eyebrows shot up. L-I-B, he thought, keeping it to himself this time. But wasn’t that interesting? “Did she tell you about our delightful lunch?” he asked.
“I really didn’t ask.” She tucked her hair behind her ear, noting that his dimple was the kind that made little kids want to poke their finger in it. Not that she cared one way or the other, of course. She finished with the books and faced him, keeping her tone steady. “Believe it or not, I’m fairly busy at the moment,” she asserted. “I’ve got a load of paperwork that I need to finish today. What type of information were you looking for?”
He shrugged. “Anything that might help me with the history of the cemetery and the town. When the lights started. Any studies that have been done in the past. Any stories that mention the legends. Old maps. Information on Riker’s Hill and the topography. Historical records. Things like that.” He paused, studying those violet eyes again. They were really quite exotic. And here she was right next to him, instead of walking away. He found that interesting, too.
“I have to say, it’s kind of amazing, isn’t it?” he asked, leaning against the shelf beside her.
She stared at him. “Excuse me?”
“Seeing you at the cemetery and now here. Your grandmother’s letter, which brought me down here. It’s quite a coincidence,
don’t you think?”
“I can’t say I’ve given it much thought.”
Jeremy was not to be deterred. He was seldom deterred, especially when things were interesting. “Well, since I’m not from around here, maybe you could tell me what people do for relaxation in these parts. I mean, is there a place to get some coffee? Or a bite to eat?” He paused. “Like maybe a little later, after you’re off?”
Wondering if she’d heard him right, she blinked. “Are you asking me out?” she asked.
“Only if you’re available.”
“I think,” she said, regaining her composure, “I’ll have to pass. But thank you for the offer.”
She held his gaze steady until he finally raised his hands.
“Okay, fair enough,” he said, his tone easy. “But you can’t blame a guy for trying.” He smiled, the dimple flashing again. “Now, would it be possible to get started with the research? If you’re not too busy with the paperwork, I mean. I can always come back tomorrow if it’s more convenient.”
“Is there anything you’d like to start with in particular?”
“I was hoping I might read the article that appeared in the local paper. I haven’t had a chance yet. You wouldn’t happen to have it around here, would you?”
She nodded. “It’ll probably be on the microfiche. We’ve been working with the paper for the last couple of years, so I shouldn’t have any trouble digging it up.”
“Great,” he said. “And information about the town in general?”
“It’s in the same place.”
He glanced around for a moment, wondering where to go. She started toward the foyer.
“This way, Mr. Marsh. You’ll find what you need is upstairs.”
“There’s an upstairs?”
She turned, speaking over her shoulder. “If you follow me, I